Improved NAPLEX Success with a Comprehensive Review Course

Objective: To evaluate the impact of a high-stakes required course on graduates' NAPLEX pass rates.
Methods: We implemented a high-stakes course in spring 2022 due to a low pass rate (74%) on the NAPLEX for the class of 2021. Students were required to complete a series of quizzes and exams using UWorld RxPrep and take a pre-NAPLEX exam. A model was developed to predict likelihood of passing the NAPLEX based on student-specific parameters. This model is being further validated with data from graduates in 2023 and 2024. Additionally, graduates in 2022 were incentivized to complete a survey conducted by a third-party research firm after they took the NAPLEX exam.
Results: Pass rates increased the next two years from 74% to 85% and then 95%, respectively. In year three (2024), pass rates decreased to 77% but were still higher than 2021. Survey data collected from 2022 graduates, after taking the NAPLEX, reported that most graduates felt somewhat or very prepared (83%) for the NAPLEX. The most helpful activities included the following (% somewhat helpful + % very helpful): simulated NAPLEX (96%), simulated MPJE (96%), intensive board review week (96%), weekly quiz assignments (92%), RxPrep end of chapter quizzes (92%), and RxPrep book (92%). Less helpful resources, included (% somewhat helpful + % very helpful): longitudinal RxPrep practice exams (83%), RxPrep on-demand quizzes (79%), Live 3-day RxPrep asynchronous review (79%), RxPrep online chapter videos (73%), and weekly review sessions with college faculty (69%).
Conclusions: After implementation of a required high-stakes NAPLEX review course, graduates' NAPLEX pass rates increased. High-impact interventions included simulated exams and an intensive pre-graduation review program, while less impactful interventions included faculty reviews and watching RxPrep videos.